The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-11

diyidual as well as the common good.
We see this in regard TO politics.
At intervals it is found essential TO the
welfare of q community or OF the nation to
arouse the people to a sense 6i their obli-
cations as citizens. TO accomplish this,
men peculiarly fitted by their learning and
eloquence are selected to instruct, per-
suade and convince the masses. ii this
be necessary in affairs Of state, much more
is it in spiritual matters, since il is OF
faith that the salvation of the soul de-
ponds upon final perseverance. st. Paul
writes 10 the Corinthians: Wherefore,
let him that thinketh himself to stand
take heed lest he fall' IL. Cor ", -. J,
while st. Peter exhorts christians to "Be
sober and watch, because your adversary,
the devil, us roaring lion, goeth about
seeking whom he may devour. Il. Peter,
", 81 Many circumstances combine to
render perseverance in the christian life
difficult, and the Catholic church. ever
cOnsiderate and mindful OF these, gives to
her missionary priests extra authority and
power to deal with special cases as they
come up during mission. She recognizes
the fact that the christian life is beset
with difficulties arising from human weak
ness, from the bad example and fall of
some and the indifference OF others She
knows that true christians are often baf-
fled and defeated, and that the De Pro-
funds and Aliserere are at times the only
prayers their sin-weary lips will utter,
while, with penitential tears, they seek to
renew the fight. In every age she has eX-
perienced the tendency, to u greater or less
| degree, 10 drift away from all authority
divine, as well as human. Theories have
been put forth so skillfully blended with
| truth and falsehood that they please the
fancy and appear more solid than they
| really are. These have been well lkened
to bubble blown until its glowing sides
are pictured in exquisite tnts and then
thrown of into the air, rising or settling
down with motion 30 gentle that II seems
more like thought than a thing. I'm
touched II holds on, brilliant globe on
whose sides earthly objects, purified and
refined, are reflected as il they were heav-
emily pictures, revelations of scenes unap-
| proachable. But once seek 10 possess it
| lay but the lightest touch upon IL, and the
| arch and orb collapse and the impalpable
beauty OF brilliant picture disappears for
| ever. II is thus the teachings OF the world &
| visionary reformcrs, whether they be enc
mics Of all religion or honest in their efforts
TO remedy existing evils, vanish before the
cloquence OF missionary priests like the
Dominican Fathers 0'Neil and De Can
tillon, who have preached several times a
day in 81. Peters church during the past
week. The fcrvid earnestness OF the for.
mer and the melodious oratory Of the lat.
ter as they told the old story OF mans re.
demption only through the merits of Jesus
Christ, and him cruciied, has not been
without abundant and enduring results.
The mission closes today with the fol
lowing order Of exercises:
Low mass at Z and o o'clock.
Solemn high mass will be sung by
Father Ashfeld at 1890 o'clock, and
Father De Cantillon will preach ON the
text, '1he light OF thy body is thy eye,
st. Luke H., "a.
Ats o'clock solemn vespeH WILDE sung
and Father O'Neil will preach on the
words, "And thou shalt call his nam,
Jesus" 81. Luke l., 81. After thesermor
the Holy Name society will hold its rcgu.
lar monthly meeting.
At ! o'clock the closing sermon will bC
delivered by Father O'Neil, after which
the Papal bcnedictian and the BenediciiOr
OF the Blessed Sacrament will be given.